When I took the road less traveled

It’s funny how life has a way of taking unexpected twists and turns. We often think we have everything all planned out, and then a curve ball comes (sometimes good, sometimes bad), and we’re left standing there scratching our heads.

I had a little bit of that happen these past few months. You see, six months ago I was a full time mom and journalist running my site with millions of readers every year. It was a dream job, working when I wanted to or taking months off at a time at my own desire. I was able to speak at retreats, travel, appear on tv, and communicate to the world through my writing, all while being available for my kids. I was happy living in my comfort zone. But a wind of change began to press into me, and I knew God was pushing me out of my bubble. Before I knew it, I was thrust out of my cocoon, forging a whole new path for the future of our family. I had two paths laid out before me…I couldn’t go down both roads, I would have to choose just one.

Public office was an option

My husband, Chris, and I have often discussed me running for some type of political office over the years. We weren’t really sure what exactly I would run for, but we knew that I wanted to make a difference. It’s always kind of been on the back burner as an option, but was never really pressing in urgency. I knew I couldn’t run for a city position since we don’t live in the incorporated area of our town. So, the county level would need to be my starting point. After researching what county offices were elected, I became very interested in the Placer County Board of Supervisors seat in our district. If you’re not familiar with what County Supervisors do, they are the legislative and executive body of county government. They adopt the budget, set employee salaries, and direct a wide variety of services to county residents (including public works, roads, voter registration, health and welfare programs, courts, district attorney, public defender, planning, zoning, land use regulation, traffic regulation and more).

I started to reach out to people involved in local and state government, attended Board of Supervisor meetings, went to city council meetings, and met with anyone and everyone including city council members, mayors and state senators that I felt could give me some insight.

The more people I met with, and the more community groups I attended, the more passionate I became. I realized: I didn’t want this office for me. I wanted this office for my kids. I quickly discovered that the county we live in could go a number of directions in the future if the current Supervisor were to retire (he will have been in office for 24 years by the election next year and has done an incredible job during his tenure), and I am bound and determined to make sure Placer County maintains its charm and excellent quality of life for my kids and grandkids.

I’m not the typical politician

I’ve obviously never worked in county government. While that may be a drawback to some, it was a huge plus in my eyes. I’m not a career politician. I don’t have canned answers or scripted responses to people. I’m just a regular mom, with five rambunctious kids, navigating life like everyone else. However, I’m not naive and I know that I need to have some understanding of what the job entails if I’m going to ask people to vote for me.

So, after meeting with the current Supervisor, Robert Weygandt, I asked if he would allow me to be his Aide. Even though I was told by multiple people that he would most likely say no, he was incredibly receptive and kind and agreed to hire me on as his full-time Aide.

So I took the road less traveled

My focus has now shifted from figuring out how I’m going to run a campaign and raise funds, to how I can absorb and learn as much about what Robert does as possible. He has done a fabulous job for our district, maintaining a delicate balance between fiscal conservancy, responsible development and land preservation. It’s now time for me to get some real hands-on experience and understanding before I ever attempt to seek that job in the future. In all honesty, I would be thrilled if he ran for reelection again, giving me even more time to saturate myself in the job before running.

I’m about to embark on a crazy new journey. I know for a lot of you out there, a household with two parents working full time is old hat for you. But this is scary for me. I’m going from full-time mom and freelance journalist to full-time business woman. We’re going to have to learn how to balance homework, grocery shopping, time with our kids, working, and just day-to-day chores with our crazy schedules. Please, tell me how you do it! I think I have pretty darn good time management, and am very efficient when I work, but this? This is a whole new ball game and I’m just in the first inning.

It’s a shifting journey

There are two roads in front of me: one where I know I’ll be comfortable. One where I can more likely predict what’s around the next bend. One that makes sense to everyone. And the other is much more unpredictable. There are twists and turns and things that just don’t make sense. It’s a road less traveled, one that many would hesitate to take. And that’s the road I’m going down. I’m leaping forward with both my feet, light-footed but firmly planted, ready to take on the challenges and uncertainties that come with that path. And I can’t wait!

Wish me luck on my new journey. I’m not leaving Life Made Full, as it will always be an important outlet for me, but the headwinds have changed and you just get to be part of my shifting journey!

Related

About Shanti

Shanti Landon is a certified life coach and blogger, mom to five kids, and the author of two ebooks: 30 Days to a Life Made Full and 10 Minute Prep Paleo Freezer Meals. She started her blog in 2012 after her husband, Chris, was diagnosed with celiac disease, and her family switched to a mostly Paleo diet. You can follow Shanti across all main social media channels under @lifemadefull

Comments

This is SOO exciting!! I think it’s kind of obvious that you have been being groomed for this. I can’t wait to hear about your journey as a working mom and I know you will do a great job! You would make a fabulous representative for your community, and I love that you are jumping in with both feet to educate yourself on the issues before you decide to run. Good luck!! So excited for you!

Congratulations! Really exciting, and I can see how scary it would be. As a working mom myself, I want to say that you are going to do just fine. It’s a transition for sure, but your kids will learn to step up and help more, and you will be giving them an example of following where you are being led. Praying for you on your new journey!

Congrats to you! We have always been a 2 income household. These past 5 years I’ve been lucky enough to work from home full time while keeping my now 5 year old out of daycare. I use walmart online grocery ordering so I don’t have spend time at the grocery store. I meal plan a week in advance. My hours are flexible, not sure that yours will be but that’s what enabled me to do this. Best of luck on your new journey 🙂

How exciting! I will be praying for you as you take on this new chapter in your life. I’m a stay at home mom, so not sure I can be of much help other than that. Look forward to hearing about this new adventure! ?HUGS

I am thrilled for you! You will be great in this role as you are passionate and listen to people well. Tim and I have frequently talked about leaving CA, but for now, God continues to open the doors for building our house in the country, so we are moving forward. (Breaking ground in 2 weeks!) I am happy to know that you will have your hand in Placer County and potentially have influence to keep it somewhat “normal”–whatever normal means these days! Can’t wait to hear more!

I’m happy for you Shanti. You’ve got a calling and as long as it’s Gods calling, you can’t go wrong. You’ll be great at it and an excellent part of the communities ears and eyes. The leadership rolls in our country are changing. Our President wasn’t a politician and look at him now. But just like he has a lot of support behind him, you do too. Keep us informed and Thanks for your loyalty to your website and readers.